World Bank Mission Commences Field Visit to FSRP/SLARI Project at Magbosi Land, Water, and Environment Research Centre

The World Bank Mission to the FSRP/IITA project fields commenced with a one-day visit to the Magbosi Land, Water, and Environment Research Centre (MLWERC), marking a significant milestone in monitoring the implementation of the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) in Sierra Leone.

The high-level mission comprised representatives from the World Bank, the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the National Farmers Federation of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL), the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), and the Chiefdom Speaker.

In his opening remarks, the FSRP Programme Manager, Dr. Keprifi Lakoh, recalled that the structure was in a dilapidated state at the time the decision was made to rehabilitate it. He expressed satisfaction with the transformation of the facility, noting that it now has the potential to serve as an incubation centre for research and innovation in Sierra Leone. Dr. Lakoh further explained that while the project was initially designed solely for FSRP activities, SLARI later submitted a request to be included, which was approved by the World Bank. He emphasized that the mission’s visit was intended to observe, assess, and critically review the project’s implementation.

Speaking on behalf of the World Bank mission, Dr. Adetunde, the Team Lead, stated that the overall objective of the project is to transform agricultural activities in Sierra Leone. He highlighted two critical pillars of successful project implementation: the people and the environment. Dr. Adetunde expressed satisfaction with how project funds were utilized and encouraged SLARI to make effective and sustainable use of the facility, expressing his desire to see the future of agriculture in Sierra Leone driven from the Magbosi Centre.

The IITA Country Representative, Dr. Alfred O. Dixon, also addressed the gathering, expressing his delight with the progress of FSRP activities in Sierra Leone. He described the Feed Salone Initiative as one that is close to his heart and commended the FSRP team for the gains made so far. According to him, although several projects are being implemented in the country, the achievements recorded by the FSRP stand out. He further appreciated the leadership and technical expertise of Dr. Adetunde, acknowledging his extensive experience in managing World Bank–supported projects, particularly in Nigeria, which continues to add value to the Feed Salone agenda.

Several other stakeholders made goodwill statements, including Dr. Isata Kamanda, Deputy Director General for Commercialization and Agribusiness Development at SLARI; Dr. Martha S. E. Williams-Ngegba, Officer-In-Charge of the Magbosi Land, Water, and Environment Research Centre; the Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer from MAFS, Mr. Aiah Thorley; the District Agriculture Officer, Mrs. Jane Kabba-Sei; Mr. Samuel Yankuba from the Ministry of Finance, who expressed satisfaction with the prudent use of project resources; and the President of NaFFSL, Madam Yata Sama, who commended the project’s farmer-focused approach.

The mission concluded with a guided tour of the renovated facility, led by Mr. Mohamed Sippo and Dr. Martha S. E. Williams-Ngegba, during which the delegation was taken through the various office spaces and support facilities, reinforcing the Centre’s growing role in advancing land, water, and environmental research in support of resilient and sustainable agriculture in Sierra Leone.